May10: I presently have 3 shots at Lisp bit-work to more. As I mentioned when I started; I don't need/want to work full-time (unless it is interesting enough, of course). So, it is looking like there is no way that I would go for more exclusive work. I would still consider some bit work as needed though; but like Mark I'd have to be paid in a much more timely manner (ie. 2+weeks vs months); &for short bits of work, I can easily generate a detailed list of my time spent. As of the 21st; I'd like to turn in (more detailed) hours like Mark does. I haven't been paid for the 1st 1.5months, though it should be in procecess. I turned in hours at the end of last month, &Lou still hasn't put those in. I want all my hours through next week in; Then I can get detailed info to you, for just the hours I end up working for you. --I've already ok'd vacation for the 2nd week of May. I might work a bit; but if I do, might want some comp time during the next /my last week. Summary: I want to be at will. I've been left hanging w/o info too many times; &would rather be able to find other work, than wait. http://mike.bobak.googlepages.com/notice.txt =A draft of what I might send before coming Wedn, to make sure it is still worth it: ---------- When I started beyond the 1st test work, I said that I would give it a try for the 3months, and that I had a short term job that looked less stable on the line, and a longer term one, that I would like to go after, but it would take months for them to make a move. Well, they have wanted me to try out some of what they are working on for some time, but I've been too busy, and couldn't make the new headspace for it. I've been asking for weeks for a vacation &have wanted to try this. Yet, I'm starting to realize that the break will probably not come. I for a few reasons don't consider this very stable employment, even for consulting, and would like to go after the other work. [In my notes, I've put forth the idea of going part-time and being able to do other work for awhile.] If you do end up wanting to transition, I will be available to help with that, and whatever work beyond [in the fashion I just mentioned]. I have really tried to keep the project in mind; even when I thought others were making decisions that were not that healthy for it. Now I've also got to think about myself too. Mike ---------- I found it difficult to work w/Ray even before he completely 'checked out'&sometime have similar problems w/Lou, where I don't get timely help. Which should be the foucs of our interaction. Lou has a habit of not liking things, no mater what you do (too much too little...). Relating to my all-hrs-email; I get to end my day w/his complaints as he isn't online during biz hrs. I would like to go from being@the bottom of an assitant hierarchy; to having asst./co-existing. I also need this: http://www.markwatson.com/consulting/nda.htm ie.#5which is a reason to cease work. ---------- If the longterm work comes through part-time, I'll probably go for that; &only be available as that lets up&your really need help. ---------- -a copy of some of the latest log, which is also further below: sat28 told which file to look at; sun29 looked at it a bit (~25hr/wk for past 2weeks) apr30mon: will compare input files to determine if R2 like changes needed(even though not in spec) &look at output&enough of the code to figure out how to run it -I would break down my hours more; but think you want these files run first. may1-tue: available to help mark&co, but hoping to get some time to try something Was going to write up (almost)last bill. Well I get to decide if I should stop now or in 2/3weeks. I'm up for part-time, but.. may2-4 work days at lou's &on long train; helped w/his network but try to get time to understand run then extend ray's lifespan/etc code. Got output3/4 reworking sjhrc into weekend if need be may7-12; only work as i have time during my 'vacation' but then want 'comp time' for the nxt/lst week MonMay7-supposed to be my vacation, but just getting partial answer?from Lou now; So might work a bit. I hooked Mark up to pql, Ray might be back,I& asked him to show me how to run;start runs Lou is looking for proper data;&looking over Friday output/comments. I might still get a break? |@<9 sunx2200: /mike/PQ_Ray> cat current.txt |I was offline this weekend, expect for being told which file to look at. |Monday I got the GHX-Data/Lifespan* files, &w/the code will try to guess what to to w/SJRHC | |I'm surprises that the flow of useful info from Ray could reach being a month, before I finish. |@<10 sunx2200: /mike/PQ_Ray> =Given that I'm not sure what is going on; I should get a sentence from Ray unless he is in the hospital. -From the start I've had this fealing that my time is expendable, were I could of save untold hours, w/the smallest amount of time from Ray/others. I finally realized that it was not an active disregard; but at times am surprised at how not clued in to the problem the same people I've been complaining about this are. ==I'm assuming I don't have to give 2weeks notice as of the 7th/I want to go part-time asap. ==========I would like to be able to start working for others asap. Ray dissapeared for 1.5weeks, and everything is ok; I asked what was up & no one passed anything on. I thought he'd gone into a programming cave or ?? -communication is bad &I don't feel comfortable pushing through it; not necessarily no-win/yet still depressing -any-way about it, we are not working well together. ----I've never wanted to work fulltime+;&would like reduce hrs &go after the longterm work I mentioned.--- ---I'm also willing to stop at any time. -I've sent ray more emails w/the specific question that I asked on the 12th &thought he spent 5minutes fixing; Hopefully he will comunicate; I'm trying(too). -this is finally done: Here is the old R1 spreadsheet with some of the new numbers so far: http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pOCaC3OMYt4y95mTOUoNtKQ I've tried to get used to being available during all waking hours, and working those hours while in NY but this last minute change has added to me considering giving my notice. After I get the content, I might have to ask you for the formatting. I'd like this bit of mngt help; As I'd like to get paid and get this over with. -I'll be updating it at http://mike.bobak.googlepages.com/invoice2+3.pdf.gz I know you are trying to be helpful, but sometimes I feel like I get more things that slow us down. I know there are things that would of saved weeks that we asked for that you wouldn't do. I also feel like many of the emails aren't completely helpful, since they seam to be out of step w/what is happening; and not focused on solving the problems that WE need solved for YOU. This is the link of meetings/hours/etc that I've been sending for some time. I started it when I started really working, well before I was asked to account for hours. I have had so many emails or been right next to you during the high volume times, that I didn't think to record them other then the email/etc. So I will have to find a slow weekend (if that ever happens) and try to reconstruct them to the level you like. So that I might get paid at some point. [ps. I've listed weekly summaries, but never been asked for anything quite like this.] It was just two weeks ago that I found out you wanted more of a write up. So I mentioned this again, and I know I have to add to it; &I guess turn it in w/my bill. Though I know you guys never followed this link. But I must say that I've been very conservative with billing hours. So I'd like to get the two months unpaid for below, processed as soon as we can. I didn't think about long write up-s for when we are all working next to each other, &the rest of it, has had a bit of email going about; but I will write it up. =I'll be going through email/etc to reconstruct the longer descriptions you said you wanted. ----post easter I'll start keeping this up to date vs. waiting for time to reconstruct it. Supplement: mike.bobak.googlepages.com/ghx.txt -before this I'll have to look at email Early code had decent quick starts, then was put up for commentary, &I just thought Ray was busy, but it was more he never read the emails saying where it was. Week2-6: Further specs on the update stream (pq-r2). WebSource (cleaned up&explained their code &suggested how to integrate it) Abbreviation task Dict-task: all of part1, start of part2, looked into 3. Weekend Apr7+8: Show Ray places where 'working'code wasn't Mon Apr9: clean up dwords.lisp &assoc code (dict-part#2) macro/abstraction of loading&setting up a new client Tue Apr10: Lou back from vacation (I'd like vacation sometime)! pointed out the last bug(since fri)that now lets it run again. Wed Apr11: a few clear fncs, more on generic client-reader Thur Apr12: trying to finish client-readers Fri Saw a related talk/recouped a bit, I guess I will have to make up part of today By the end of the month I'll be asking for time off &/or reduced hours. Weekend (First time that all I did was a little reading) ==turned in hrs upto this point== Mon pinched-nerve but can work as needed, possible 1/2day(w/tue) I hope to get updates from Ray & get some pain killers. Tue If I don't hear from Ray I'll write up my early hrs&review code/answer Lous questions. Wedn Till I hear from Ray I'll do my time-description. apr18 Started handling email from Lou, seeing if machine ready for runs; & writing these notes. apr19 waited on last non-ac run&any skype/got it/earfull working late again;mightpass1/2time this week apr20 turned in a spread of pq-small to r1 numbers (&some img size effects) in a spreadsheet. apr21 -2month mark-I'll have to only work on getting paid at this point. apr23:ray back on email; finish up last franz request/etc, back to debug of what I guess he hasn't much looked at. apr24:sent ray short specific question that should get me un-stuck;Got(more?)data to test reader w/. have finalize-class problem again which I thought I got rid of; I'll fix it &run this data apr25:have gen-read, want access generalized now too, wrote again; if no feedback, I give up. apr26:I'll look@the macro I asked about, though it isn't needed after work of the 25th. Talked w/Lou, will get code from him &hopefully word from Ray on how to integrate(2help productivity) -can't find the file-transform&don't have the code/'process' still Waiting- apr27:Ray to sick to help/say-anything &he hasn't taught me how to run it; So I'm mostly lost. sat28 told which file to look at; sun29 looked at it a bit (~25hr/wk for past 2weeks) apr30mon: will compare input files to determine if R2 like changes needed(even though not in spec) &look at output&enough of the code to figure out how to run it may1-tue: available to help mark&co, but hoping to get some time to try something ended up more being around to help lou & then nhuanvn, more waiting/break concentration time may2-wedn go to lous, at least it might be an 8hr day may2-4 work days at lou's &on long train; helped w/his network but try to get time to understand run then extend ray's lifespan/etc code. Got output3/4 reworking sjhrc into weekend if need be may7-12; only work as i have time during my 'vacation' but then want 'comp time' for the nxt/lst week MonMay7-supposed to be my vacation, but just getting partial answer?from Lou now; So might work a bit. =I've said I endevour to be available via email most waking hours; I've been flexible w/hrs for how much work I think there is; but I might need my own time soon. -communication is bad &I don't feel comfortable pushing through it; not necessarily no-win/yet still depressing ----I've never wanted to work fulltime+;&would like reduce hrs&go after the longterm work I mentioned.--- -I have to note that instead of sending email to Ray to look at my early/decent start at code and waiting for feedback that never came (not just because he was busy, but because he didn't really read my emails). That the shorter tasks, mean much less repeat communication for feedback. They are also a lot easier given that it means much less wading through his code (w/o feedback). ---- ---Here is the original file: January February March S M Tu W Th F S S M Tu W Th F S S M Tu W Th F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2, 3 1, 2: 3 7 [8 9[10 11 12[13] 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 4 5 [6 7 8] 9 10 14 15 16 17 18:19.20 11 12;13,14,[15]16,17 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 21;22;23 24 25;26:27 18[19.20[21 22:23]24; 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 28 29,30 31 25:26,27:28; 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 April May S M Tu W Th F S S M Tu W Th F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6 7+ 8 9 10 11 12 15#16 17 18 19 20*21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21*I can fin early. 29 30+(I assume 2week notice not needed@end) Legend: .=sent_code ,=Asked4code/doc ;=sent&asked4 :=got_data []=physical_meeting [=phone_meeting (+#)=days_billed =Jan phone Lou&Phil 13 1st meeting 18 1st data 26 2nd data =Feb 3 expected a meeting so cut a trip short 8 1/2wk billing (+2.5) -I'll bill the rest, &expenses on the same form?? 15 second meeting 19 1st call w/Ray 21-3 1st Nyack trip (+3) 23 ask4code doc-(still waiting) 24 1st Ray email 28 laptop code-(still up) (+3) =March **(connectivity has been an issue from day1 &is still unacceptable even on site)** 5-8 2nd Nyack (+4) friday w/friends mostly a little on the weekend(1/2) -I'd rather take a day off, than worry/be-bothered about network problems; Mon:HT-persist, then fixes to get timing runs. 12+13-15 (4 so far) +1 (fri/weekend) .takes a little to recover from the lost day+ of travel. More usnam ac testing (to recover from lost(bad)runs). I might get some time to code too, but hopefully not just on the weekend, as I really need a break after travel especially. 19-23 (expect 5days) much lost to testing, but did get vendors#1/etc [26-29]30 (4+1days) mar28: sent an invoice for 176 hours (over the past 2 months) that Lou would not process. Since then: =April: 1st week (+5days) listed at the top. 2nd week (+4days) 3rd week ==I'm still a little confused why the person w/the least connectivity is asked to kick off runs, that need to be done in a timely manner; Any of you could easily do this at any time, but I only have a few hour window (not even enough to watch them finish). I still don't understand this? Lets put it this way. I've managed large groups of people before; I can tell you a few other things that I'd do if I had the power to do the. (eg. quick connectivity now; code description; ...) -I've echanged better distance communication w/people that are physically co-located. You think there would be more frequent use of distance tools, but there is less. Why? -The dell laptop doesn't seam to be able to catch a signal anymore, while my all-metal(re:faraday cage)laptop can. This has made things more frustrating. Along w/not getting things that would really help me, that would be easy for others to do. I guess I have to invoice this, and note my transit/etc costs along side. ?? -ghx didn't get my ssn-info/signed, so sent that off &asked how they like expensing to be done ? I still don't care were the machine is; if it isn't well conected. Moving it w/o a goog stable connection, just means I might have to travel more; Which is not what I signed up for. *I'll have a few suggestions when we meet. eg.Getting info/code sooner; The code-base is large enough that I could benefit w/time w/it. Look@ alias.txt to interesting UNIX tidbits. I also sent Ray the code the night he asked/here. see: http://www.kdnuggets.com/news/2007/n05/47i.html other: ... http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/06/business/yourmoney/06count.html <-I communicate via cell. --sometimes I feel I should of asked for a higher rate, as my time is treated as sort of throw away; if I were managing me; I would of done a bit more to keep me from wasting so much time; much of it has been uncharged on my side, which hasn't made me any happier, as it means I have to work more, to make the min#of hours; &i like my free time as much as anyone else. too bad we are away for this: http://www.techsocial.com/archives/215/the-future-of-healthcare/ I've really trying to get over being frustrated&even angry at times. There have been so many times that I have to go out &deal w/the still bad connection, &the rerun things, or wait not to get them, (eg. files, descriptions, etc). I would like to concetrate on code too; but unfortunately that has been somewhat difficult of late; I hope to stop (getting the) runn(ing) around,&be able to concetrate too; but hopefully not to the extent, that I don't pay attention/or process what anyone is saying to me. For the amount of frustration the router is still causing, I would of bought one for you to use, as I could of charged so many more hours/got so much more done; It would be well worth it, to me. I see lots of: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Not_invented_here (does any one do any web re/search)? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cut_and_paste (got feedback that the codebase will decrease someday) For such a fan of MOP I don't understand some of the underuse of CLOS. Try to remove almost all domain-specific code, and become data-driven; Just load a KB Keep KB and machinary seperate; The proliferation of domain terms/etc just slows us down. I think in terms of short-term consulting were you will hook up lines of data, and let the user do the rest. I don't want to write anything that I'd have to come back and maintain, unless I have to. http://slashdot.org/articles/07/03/25/1314203.shtml http://www.semergence.com/2007/03/22/oracle-11g-gains-native-owl-support/ *I have to quit re-evaluating this job, so will try to only do it at month2&3.* -If I had to take a break/How would we work that; Or do I get no say till I leave? Some very small things have bothered me quite a bit; I've gotton over most of it; Yet some of it is still important (greater need for communication(incl listening)from others); Which includes a few needs that I hope I can discuss at some point; As this is continuable... =In the beginning I asked if you needed 40hrs, or if I could work part-time; After the rush/crunch is over I'm going to ask again to go less than 40; I can say I know I don't want to continue w/ the work that I'm doing full-time. It feels way to much like 'just' programming. -what is the point of trying to make something to communicate via computer, if we don't use the computer to communicate ourselves programmers are on computers/not cell phones/really =Also, I even though I often have to write thing several times; I'd rather do that &have a record of it; than assuming that what I just say in person or on the phone is remembered (as it isn't always). If we continue to get stuck on silly things, .. As I review notes, I'm reminded that communication&handling other problems is among the worst I've seen. After this I'd either work part-time or even small projects (&just be paid if you like it) I still sort of wish I knew what the problem was in the beggining&gave a shot at it. Rather than thinking it was the opposite, &that you wanted results, rather than a code test. [Ray has been at this ~6months for ~60hrs/wk? using some ideas very related to past work. I'm not surprised he has a lot done; Although I wished I could of got some of my more: 'small machinary' then push the rest out to the data/kn-base ideas in, earlier, so we wouldn't only have me run after not well doc code, but then have to refactor it too.] =Good to just find out that Ray has been working PT too. I told him I didn't feel well; then had a pinched-nerve; but never heard anything from him. Still communication sucks/ is unworkable; I'm not going in the direction I had hoped. I don't even think I'm learning good design. I'll help through the push&see what else I can do; but should probably go on to one of the other things I mentioned to Lou when he 1st asked me about starting. http://metabang.com/unclogit/?p=113 I don't know if I've mentioned this, but I'm so used to doing the design, that I don't think I've ever been so restricted w/what to write; &I don't agree w/all the design descisions, but I can't have a discsussion/get any feedback from the most-simple-sentence, much less anything that would take any thought. http://www.theinstitute.ieee.org/portal/site/tionline/menuitem.130a3558587d56e8fb2275875bac26c8/index.jsp?&pName=institute_level1_article&TheCat=1016&article=tionline/legacy/inst2007/apr07/memberprofileNew.xml& http://www.wordware.com/wiki/ http://www.scribd.com/doc/22179/In-the-Beginning-was-the-Command-Line-by-Neal-Stephenson =bottom line: other than a few things I won't over-discuss/incl being under-appreciated, I also find NOT YET being PAID to be SOMEWHAT DE-motivational. whats up?